F-16 transfer to Ukraine begun, Zelenskyy signed security agreement with Luxembourg - Wednesday brief
Collage by RBC-Ukraine
The Netherlands and Denmark begin to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. Meanwhile, Ukraine and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg signed a bilateral agreement on security guarantees in Washington, DC.
Read more about what happened on Wednesday, July 10.
Transfer of F-16s to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands already underway
Denmark and the Netherlands have begun transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help defend against Russian aggression, according to the speech of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at the NATO summit.
"I'm also pleased to announce that as we speak, the transfer of F-16 jets is underway, coming from Denmark, coming from the Netherlands. And those jets...will be flying in the skies of Ukraine this summer," Blinken said.
According to him, the aircraft are being transferred to ensure that Ukraine can continue its effective defense against Russian aggression.
Meanwhile, the White House website published a joint statement by US President Joe Biden, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on the supply of F-16s to Ukraine.
Ukraine signs security agreement with Luxembourg
Ukraine and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg signed a bilateral agreement on security guarantees. The signing took place in Washington, DC, according to the Office of the President.
On the Ukrainian side, the agreement was signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and on the Luxembourg side, by Prime Minister Luc Frieden.
The agreement acknowledges that neither Ukraine nor Europe will be secure until there is a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace that respects Ukraine's rights under international law and in particular the UN Charter.
Stabilized frontlines: US officials highlight gains in Ukraine after aid approval
US officials report an improvement in the situation in Ukraine after Congress passed a major aid package of $61 billion following months of delays, according to the Washington Post.
Although the front line has changed little for over a year, they say Moscow will likely face increasing challenges in maintaining its battlefield advantages.
"Ukraine remains under pressure; this remains a very active conflict. We shouldn't look with rose-colored glasses," said a senior US administration official.
However, according to him, the lines have stabilized, and Russia is incurring extraordinary costs, "forces them to rely on poorly trained forces, which actually plays into Ukraine's hands."
Orban's letter to EU: Putin and Xi Jinping expect Ukraine peace talks by end of year
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán sent a letter to European Council President Charles Michel and EU leaders following his trips to Ukraine, Russia, and China, citing El Pais.
In the letter, Orbán summarizes his discussions and asserts that Europe must launch a peace initiative without waiting for the United States. According to him, the next two months on the front line in Ukraine will be "more dramatic than ever."
Norway to send six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine: Deliveries to begin this year
Norway has decided to transfer six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with deliveries set to begin this year, according to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
He said that Ukraine's ability to defend itself from air attacks is crucial for its defense against Russia.
"Norway has decided to gift six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. We plan to start deliveries in 2024," the Prime Minister said.
